The West Visayas State University (WVSU) University Health Services (UHS) was officially recognized as the first university clinic in Region VI accredited as a PhilHealth Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) facility during the program held Sept. 4 at the University.
The milestone strengthens WVSU’s efforts to bring accessible and preventive healthcare closer to its students, faculty, staff, and other eligible members of the University community.
As a PhilHealth YAKAP facility, the UHS will provide primary healthcare services focused on prevention, early detection, and timely management of health conditions. The program is designed to help members maintain good health through regular consultations, early disease detection, laboratory services, medicines, and other preventive care, helping address health concerns before they progress into more serious conditions.
PhilHealth Regional Office VI Regional Vice President Marjorie A. Cabrieto delivered a congratulatory message during the ceremony, citing the partnership between PhilHealth and the University.
“Beyond excellence in academics and research, including producing topnotchers, WVSU gives paramount importance on the health and well-being of not just their employees but also of their students and their dependents,” Cabrieto said.
University President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz formally accepted the recognition on behalf of WVSU, emphasizing that the significance of the milestone goes beyond being the first school-based health center in the region accredited as a PhilHealth YAKAP facility.
“Beyond being first, what matters most is what this partnership makes possible: bringing preventive healthcare closer to our people, expanding access to essential health services, and transforming our shared commitment to health and well-being into meaningful action that touches lives and strengthens communities,” Villaruz said.
He also underscored the responsibility that comes with the accreditation, particularly the need to continuously strengthen the capacity of the UHS to provide responsive and people-centered care.
Dr. Ronalyn P. Gallinero, University Physician, together with members of the UHS team, accepted the recognition on behalf of the University Health Services. Vice President for Medical and Allied Sciences Dr. Victorino A. Salcedo III, Vice President for Administration and Finance Peter Ernie D. Paris, Vice President for Academic Affairs Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla, Faculty Regent Shim Lester G. de Pio, and Alumni Regent Bonifacio P. Gaverza were also present during the launch.
As part of the launch, PhilHealth personnel set up registration booths at the UHS to assist students and other eligible individuals with PhilHealth membership, YAKAP registration, and First Patient Encounter.
Students who are not yet PhilHealth members were provided free assistance with membership registration, while eligible students were given the opportunity to voluntarily register for the YAKAP program.
For WVSU, the accreditation represents another step toward strengthening a culture of health across the University.
“At West Visayas State University, transforming generations means investing not only in knowledge and skills, but also in the health and well-being of the people who carry our mission forward,” Villaruz said.
The University looks forward to sustaining its partnership with PhilHealth in advancing preventive healthcare and ensuring that quality health services remain within reach of the people it serves.
